In the opening of the disaster management review, acting minister for Home Affair, Honorable Steve Abana stated that the workshop is another effort by the government to better manage disaster and emergency issues with all its main partners within the country and abroad.

"The Government of the day is responsible for the safety of the residents and communities in the country but the Government it self cannot guarantee the safety of the people, therefore in order to reach that degree of assurance everyone needs to work together", Honorable Abana highlighted.

Solomon Islands Red Cross as one of the close partners of the National Disaster Management Office is encouraged to see the initiative of the government to bring together various governmental and non governmental organizations for the national disaster management plan review. And this reflects the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's theme of 'Together for Humanity'.

Mr. Tuke will be back in his office after the two days of the disaster management review at the Quality Inn.

Brief Background of Solomon Islands Red Cross:Solomon Islands Red Cross Society, by the act of the National Parliament (a separate act from the Non Governmental Organizations Act) in 1983 established as an auxiliary (extra supporter) of the state dedicated to protecting human life and dignity in the Solomon Islands, thereby promoting lasting peace.

Hundreds of people in the Red Cross help those hurt by armed conflict, social disturbances, natural disasters, and other human tragedies. Victims around the country and region come to trust the people of the Red Cross to be there to provide important humanitarian services.

The people of the organization help anyone in urgent need. No regard is paid to political, racial, religious, or ideological differences. No point of view or person is favoured over another. Neither influence nor pressure will change these facts.

But the Solomon Islands Red Cross is more than a philosophy, or a historical institution. It is the part of a worldwide belief that human life and dignity are worthy of respect and protection from ravages of man and nature. It is a belief made real every day by the actions of skilled and trained people who are moved by a deep personal desire to help others without regard for their own material gain.

Red Cross members help people to prepare for, recover from, and, if possible, prevent the effects of tropical cyclones, floods, fires, sea level rise, diseases, or other disasters that threaten individuals or communities.They help people prevent and handle emergencies through Commercial and Community Based First Aid trainings and health skills. Where needed and possible, they save hundreds of lives by promoting reliable supply of blood. They also share the resources necessary to improve service to people throughout the Solomon Islands, regionally, and internationally. They give new direction in the lives of the disable children through special education to read and write in sign language. Today, disable children are our aspirations who contribute in making Solomon Islands a better place for humanity.

The financial support of individuals, business houses, donor friends, and governments makes this work possible.